The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show is a night out for people who would rather take part than watch. It is an interactive dinner show in which the cast of the mystery mixes among the tables while you eat, and guests are drawn into the story as suspects, witnesses and amateur investigators. This St. Louis edition uses a true-crime theme, so the plot leans on the style of real investigations rather than a pure comedy farce. The format is the main selling point: there is no stage separating performers from audience, which means the experience feels different at every table and depends on how willing your group is to play along. A dinner is part of the booking, and the show runs across the meal, so it takes a good part of an evening. It has earned a strong 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews, which is a good sign for a show that depends on live performers. It is not the right choice for someone who dislikes audience participation or loud, noisy rooms.
How to book
The product is sold through the booking page, which lists the available dates, the venue and the details of the meal and any menu options. Shows are scheduled events rather than daily attractions, so choose a date first and plan the rest of your trip around it. Because the venue and times can change, rely on rather than on any general description. Seating arrangements vary, so check the booking page for how tables are shared. If you have dietary needs, raise them when you book rather than on the night.
What to expect
This is a lively, noisy and sometimes silly evening. Performers may approach you at the table, ask for help, accuse someone in the room or hand out clues, so be prepared to speak up. Some guests are chosen for small roles; if you would rather be a spectator, say so to the host early on.
The show is aimed at adults, and a true-crime theme means the content may suit mature audiences better than children, so check the age guidance on the booking page. Expect to be seated for much of the evening.
Making the most of it
It works best for groups of friends, couples on a date, birthdays and corporate nights out, because the fun comes from laughing and plotting together. Eat a light lunch, arrive a little early so you are seated before the opening, and plan transport so you do not have to rush at the end. If you are staying downtown, pairing the show with a walk to the Arch or a drink in the Central West End before or after makes an easy evening.
For a daytime counterpart, try one of the neighborhood history tours, which share a taste for mystery without the theater. Remember that this is a live, scheduled production rather than a drop-in attraction, so build the rest of your itinerary around it, and read the booking page for cancellation terms before you commit to a date. If you are traveling with a group, agree in advance who is happy to be picked for a role, because that makes the evening smoother for everyone.
What to expect
The experience
An interactive, dinner-and-show murder mystery in which performers mix with the tables and guests help solve the case.
Best time
An evening date chosen on the booking page; check the venue and start time for your date.
How long
A good part of an evening; check the booking page for the length.
Tips
Book a date first, tell the staff about dietary needs, arrive early and be ready to take part.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of friends, couples, birthdays and anyone who enjoys audience participation.
- Families
- Better for teenagers and adults than young children because of the true-crime theme; check the age guidance.
- Couples
- A fun, social date night with a plot twist.
- Pair with
- A downtown walk, or a ghost-story walk on another night.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What is The Dinner Detective show?+
It is an interactive murder mystery dinner show in which cast members mix with the audience and guests help solve the case between courses.
Is dinner included?+
Yes, a meal is part of the experience. Check the booking page for menu details and dietary options.
Is it suitable for children?+
It has a true-crime theme and is aimed at adults and older teenagers. Check the age guidance on the booking page.
Will I be put on the spot?+
Possibly. Performers move among the tables and may involve guests, so tell the staff if you prefer to watch.
How do I choose a date?+
Shows are scheduled events, so pick a date on the booking page, where the venue and times are shown.
